Celeste was raised in an apartment in the Bronx, a short distance from Bronx Park, Bronx Zoo, and the Botanical Gardens, places that she often visited as a child, with her Dad. Thus grew her love of nature.  Her mom had a flair for all things creative, thus grew Celeste’s love of beauty and appreciation of art. She started drawing as a child and was accepted into the H.S. of Art & Design in Manhattan, where her interests broadened and she studied photography.

Putting herself through college at the School of Visual Arts, in N.Y.C. she studied film-making for two years and had the opportunity to write, direct and produce her own 16mm short films as well as work on other people’s films. Years later, she completed her B.F.A. degree in Media Arts, studying Graphic Design. In between she held jobs in a wide assortment of categories. 

Celeste has enjoyed, for more than twenty years now, the beauty of Monmouth County, New Jersey with its multitude of parks, horse farms, marshes and close proximity to the ocean.

Celeste has studied watercolor and oil at The Guild of Creative Art in Shrewsbury, and with various local artists including Tony Ventura, and Jane Lux.
She considers herself fortunate to be a part of the Plein Air Painters of the Jersey Coast because “my greatest growth as an artist has come from painting outdoors.”

In the past decade, trips with her family to Yellowstone, Grand Teton, and Glacier National Parks have opened her eyes to the immense beauty and serenity of Wild Nature, and she seeks that out whenever she paints. 

Her understanding of values and composition has been greatly aided by workshops in
Wyoming with Scott L. Christensen. Scott’s instruction on the teachings of Edgar Payne and John F. Carlson provide a solid foundation for the daily challenge of seeing the Light.  

“What a great adventure it continues to be as I learn to harness the raw power that is Light and Shadow. My paintings are woven from the rich tapestry of my life. What I imagine creating is always just beyond my current ability to create it, and is a challenge that keeps calling me.” 

Celeste's gallery